New Edition

Hits

Essential

Review Score:

(8/10)
Well first things first, it is missing the awesome jam "Candy Girl," but that is a Streetwise release, so I understand. Don't let that omission deter you from buying this amazing disc from the original boy band New Edition. Don't get rid of your Greatest Hits vol. 1, even though it is kind of old, it has album versions, the remix of "Boys to Men" and of course, the Streetwise jams. The new release has digitally remastered single versions of the jams, which can be kind of weird for people who are used to the album versions. It also includes two soundtrack hits, and the wackest NE jam, "You Don't Have To Worry." I had wanted to delete this song from the first time I heard it. I really hate this song. Thank goodness it is the last track. By the way, another gripe, "Word To The Mutha!" (remix) should've been included.

Let's run down the tracks:

1. Cool It Now - this is the video and single version. It is missing the acapella "cool it now...." part, and the long intro. It also omits part of the second chorus.

2. Mr. Telephone Man - single and video version, I think it is identical to the album version.

3. Lost In Love - jarring to first-time listeners. Has lots of added 80's effects, and does not have the fadeout of the album and Vol. 1 version. But a great track.

4. Count Me Out - single version as well, it omits the "Count Me Out" in the beginning of the song, as heard on the album and on Vol. 1.

5. A Little Bit Of Love - greatly enhanced by the remaster.

6. With You All The Way - sounds similar to the remastered version found on "Slow Jams."

7. Earth Angel - sounds similar to the remastered version found on "Slow Jams."

8. Once In A Lifetime Groove - been awhile since I heard this jam, so I am not sure if it is the same version. Benefited from the remaster.

9. Helplessly In Love - glad to hear that it is not the remixed "dance" version of this sentimental jam. Nice to have this on CD format. I can now delete the MP3.

Tracks 10-14 are all from the Heart Break album, which is a very poor sounding release. Their best album needs to be remastered, but these songs are a great start. They all sound great, "Can You Stand The Rain" is the familiar version and not the remix. Nice to hear these songs without the introludes, although I miss those.

15. Hit Me Off - the same version on the CD single, since the album version has the crowd cheers fading out (from "It Feels So Good") while the song starts. At least they didn't use the Shaq remix!

16. I'm Still In Love With You - the single and video version, it is another jam that could be hard to get used to if you are used to the album. It has a different beginning, missing the long intro, and of course, the finale is different as well, since this is shortened. This song fades out, the original album version has Ricky singing "...still in love, I'm still in love with you" then the song ends. Unfortunately that part has been left off the single version.

17. You Don't Have To Worry - single version, for fans of this wack jam, it is different from the album version. I wish I can delete this stupid track.

There you go, I hope this helps. I have reviewed several albums here in Amazon but this is the first time I took the time to review each track. It is because I really like this group. New Edition rules! Now if only they can release the definitive DVD with all their videos, but that is another story.

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